This evening Piers Morgan welcomes an exotic creature to the set. Several of them, in fact.

In a special edition of "Piers Morgan Tonight," the studio takes on a decidedly zoo-like feel, as legendary animal expert and enthusiast Jack Hanna brings along his incomparable expertise, as well as his incomparable beasts, for an hour-long interview.

Sitting down with the host face to face, Hanna first introduces the Brit to some Siberians, in the form of a pair of 13-week old tigers:

"At what age can they kill a man?" asks Morgan.

"Well I’ll tell you about another 22 months ... because in about another 22 months, these animals weigh over 600 pounds," explains the Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. "This is one of the rarest cats in the world, Piers. They are less than - some people say 400, it could be 200 left in Siberia, that part of the world. They were hunted for their coats, but the problem today is, the fact that you can imagine that animal is 600 pounds ... they could literally put a hole through your arm, right now."

Though the great beast's teeth naturally draw the bulk of attention, Hanna reveals to Morgan that the tiger has other, equally dangerous weapons in its mouth alone:

"That tongue, by the way: you see how he's licking me? ... If that were a full-grown tiger Piers, in less than 10 minutes, he can lick me and just lick my arm to the bone. That’s how rough that tongue becomes," he explains. "Like sand paper beyond [what] you’ve ever seen."

soundoff(12 Responses)

Michelle Sellers

What a woose you are!! No more animal shows for you. you should be ashamed. You dont even touch a single animal and you act like they will all eat you alive. Alot of good you do for the welfare and preservation of animals. Your sons should be ashamed of you!!!!!

I couldnt agree more with you that Piers Morgan was a "woose" The chance to be by those animals and have the chance to pet them is a once in a lifetime chance for almost anyone. He wouldn't touch a single one of them.

You should have never had Jack Hanna on the show if you weren't going to at least touch them. I think you did more harm then good by acting like every single one of them were going to kill you.

ENJOYED YOUR SHOW WITH JACK HANNA TONIGHT!!! AND SINCE WE ARE ON THE SUBJECT OF ANIMALS......PLEASSSEEEE CONSIDER A STORY ON THE COMFORT DOGS GOING TO NEWTOWN!!! THEY HAVE ALREADY MADE ONE VISIT TO NEWTOWN AND NOW THEY ARE RETURNING ON JANUARY 1ST TO SPREAD THEIR LOVE TO ALL THE FAMILIES AND CHILDREN RETURNING TO SCHOOL AFTER THE HOLIDAY!!! COMFORT DOGS... CHECK THEM OUT. THANKS 🙂

There's no shame in being apprehensive around wild animals, even those who seem non-threatening; what there is shame in (or at least, there should be), is blathering on in a futile attempt to say something glib while the wild animal expert (Jack Hanna) is repeatedly trying to tell you how to save your own life, in the unlikely -but not impossible- event that you happen to be seized by a full-grown Anaconda. Instead of continually interrupting and talking over the authority with something truly interesting and instructive to say, perhaps it would be prudent to keep ones' mouth shut long enough to allow the guest to express a line of thought that is actually beneficial to everyone listening. Or, more accurately, trying
to listen.

I am a fan of Jack Hanna and he has always been factual and educational when it comes to the reason of conservation and interacting with some of the most remarkable animals on this planet. Peirs Morgan, why would you invite a guess on the show then interrupt them when they attempt educate you in a field that you are not an expert in? Furthermore, how can you insult the Almighty God by saying his word is flawed? It is men's judgement that is flawed. You have said your opinion on the 2nd amendment and though there are some who abuse that right, that does not give anyone the authority to constrain others. If this is based on the number of deaths that occur then why don't you call for the restriction of jetliners, cause they caused the death of over 3,000 in one day then based on that we went to war in iraq, which the number of deaths there is repugnant. Furthermore there are those who abuse the first amendment by insult others with name calling like stupid, moron, and your not calling to restrict that right. Personally I don't own a firearm but if one day I desire to purchase one I would hope I have the freedom to buy one that is suitable for me. I believe that proper training should accompany the purchase of a firearm just like driving an automobile which kills thousands every month. But to constrain 350,000,000 people because of 15,000 unfortunate events is imprudent, unadvisible and nonsensical.

Watch your show on a regular basis, always enjoy and have respect regarding your opinion.
Extremely disappointed in your lack of interest in regards to Jack Hanna, his area of expertise, the ability of the handlers and most important the animals.
Actually was embarrassed on your behalf.
Former legendary late night host you are not!

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